Question:
Any problems with thyroid meds/ levels prior to surgery?

I have been diagnosed with Thyroiditis. My Endo said that if my thyroid levels are off then I may not be able to have surgery. I go back to see them 5 days before surgery(RNY). Should I call my surgeon to find out what he says or should I just wait it out. I would hate to have gone through all that I have and not have surgery because of results from 2 days before.    — Pankakes25 (posted on September 25, 2008)

September 25, 2008
I have hypothyroidism and I did have level issues for the last three years..I still was able to have the surgery...it was over 8(which the normal range i think is 4), i had all my tests come back and they thought that the surgery might help..i am still on meds since my levels dropped after surgery, but just not enough..i have to wait tues to find out my results to see if things are improving with the meds...I dont know, i guess it depends on your doctor, but my surgeon, doctor, and everyone else agreed that regardless of my thyroid levels, htey wanted to go through with it since the surgery might help it out..gl and i hope that you can get an answer soon to figure out what else can be done...i was on 0.15 mgs of synthroid at the time of my surgery, and still it was higher than 8..i find out if i need to drop it back down or go higher on tuesday as well!!
   — dawnie28

September 26, 2008
I had hypothyroidism before surgery too and no one made any issue of it. My numbers are not very high, but I am super sensitive to weight gain and all the side effects when my thyroid is off even a little bit. I just went on 25 mcg of synthroid two weeks ago and still not quite feeling right yet...but my hair finally stopped falling out and my skin is not so itchy and dry and I am not as sleepy all day as I was...so it's working! I had even gained 3 pounds that really worried me...I'm beginning to drop them a pound a week! SO I am sooooo happy about that...Oh and what I really wanted to say was that after surgery I ran out of my synthroid and just stopped taking it...My thyroid began functioning without meds for 4 years...til now...So...something about the surgery helped...til now...
   — .Anita R.

September 27, 2008
I also have thyroiditis, and my endocrinologist recommended WLS for me. We worked together closely to monitor my levels before and after surgery. I have continued to take synthroid, and I have remained stable. I'd recommend talking to your surgeon, and if he or she and your endocrinologist think that delaying the surgery is wise, I'd wait. Your thyroid inflammation can be stabilized. And it's worth avoiding complications after surgery.
   — Bengeler